Red Pearl in Columbia has closed and had the locks changed, reports Wordbones on the Tales of Two Cities blog.
I hadn't heard, but I confirmed that the phone isn't being answered.
Oh, no! This was good Chinese. I'd been there nights when it was packed and nights when it was empty. But the food was really good.
Man, what is it about that particular location that just doesn't work out for restaurants? I remember Sergeant Pepper's, then there was a Brazilian steakhouse, then Jesse Wong's, then Red Pearl. It's not like the lakefront doesn't get a reasonable amount of traffic, and the other restaurants there seem to be doing well. Is there some other type of food that would do better?
ReplyDelete~kam
Such a shame. The place was always packed on weekends for dim sum, but that was honestly it. They never really caught on as a place for dinner. It was usually our spot for Chinese New Year dinner, but even then there weren't many people there.
ReplyDeleteHow disappointing. I really enjoyed their Dim Sum, but as James said, I only went for Dim Sum, never for other meals.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I went to Asian Court last weekend and thought their Dim Sum was still quite tasty.
Maybe the costs of the waterfront view is just to high to support a Chinese restaurant, even a good one.
Oh, no! We just had my wife's birthday party there a few days ago. She really liked the place. At least they didn't close between sending out invites and actually having the party.
ReplyDeleteWe went there a few times. Mostly for dim sum, but we had a few dinners there. Dinners were always empty though.
ReplyDeleteSay it isn't so! My wife and I loved this place so much that we had our wedding reception there about a year and a half ago. We even got to know the owners a bit. We have never been disappointed with the food there. The times we have went have usually seen a packed Dim Sum crowd as well as a decent crowds at dinner time. We even also usually send friends there as well, and most of them report back to us how much they love the place. Very disappointing!
ReplyDeleteI hope it is just a temporary setback and they will re-open. They were our go to delivery place. The XO dumplings are addicting.
ReplyDeleteSo sad! This was our go-to place...will miss those XO dumplings.
ReplyDeleteBut the terrible location doesn't help, out of sight, out of mind ...We'll miss you Red Pearl!
We actually got delivery as recently as two weeks ago. Their easy online ordering and delivery was one reason they became our top Chinese Restaurant. I will say though, many times when we ate at the restaurant, we were either the lone customers or one of very few.
ReplyDeleteThis was theonly place we'd go for Chinese... so disapointed! We were going to have a party there so I spoke to the owner. He said that they were planning to find another location in Columbia next month.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if the rent in that area is crazy.
ReplyDeleteRed Pearl was a regular dine-in and take-out place for me since they opened and a frequent, reliable dining destination because I can walk to the lakefront in a few minutes from my place. I'll miss them! Staff was very friendly, and the kitchen was willing to reduce or leave out salt when requested. I just had take-out from them Friday of last weekend, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. They were even hosting a Meet-up gathering in the bar area. Just walked by this morning -- the lock on the door seems to be replaced with metal plate rather than another lock to prevent entry; no signs at all to explain the closing. One lonely jade tree has been left behind.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I went there last Friday (after hours of trying to call them) and were surprised to see them closed -- shocked to see they've cleared the restaurant! No more chairs/tables and the place was a mess. :( We are both unhappy about this! We were just there a couple of weeks ago! Red Pearl is one of our favorites! I really hope that they are just moving somewhere else. Please keep us posted if you hear anything new.
ReplyDeletendtidSorry I'm late but...Boy does this suck! I loved the Red Pearl. It wasn't greasy Chinese food and the staff was great. I hope this is temporary. Perhaps they should have advertised better.
ReplyDeleteShame really liked the place. Think the space was too big. It was too big for Jesse Wong's also. I think they need to cut the space up before the next restaurant fails in that location. Have always thought a small desert or ice cream shop would make sense on the lakefront
ReplyDeleteMy family is heartbroken. This was our weekend place. Best dim sum in the area. The lady manager was always so sweet to my 9-year old son. Sad day.
ReplyDeleteThis is terrible news. Howard County was really lucky to have an authentic Chinese restaurant of this caliber, and with its level of panache and service. Just when I think Columbia is becoming more with-it, then this sort of thing happens. Makes me want to move to DC already. I guess people here just want to stay in chain restaurant hell.
ReplyDeleteWe stopped for dim sum on Sunday and were so sad to see they had closed. This was the best Chinese food outside of China that we've had, even better than that in Chinatown Chicago. Please say they're staying in Columbia and will reopen in another location!
ReplyDeleteTheir phone has been disconnected
ReplyDelete